Publications

April 4, 2005

See the Stars in Carson City

Area residents have a unique opportunity to see major stars in Carson City in April. Real big stars. And some planets. Western Nevada Community College and the Western Nevada Astronomical Society will present (weather permitting) "Telescopes Around Town" starting at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 8. The public is also invited to the weekly Saturday night Star Party at the Jack C. Davis Observatory at WNCC Carson City on April 9. WNAS members will have telescopes available for viewing at four locations Friday night: the corner of Telegraph and Curry at Telegraph Square downtown; Albertson's stores at 3620 North Carson St. and 3325 Highway 50 East; and at the Best Buy store, 955 Topsy Lane.

Astronomy Day began in 1973 when Doug Berger, president of the Astronomical Association of Northern California, decided to set up telescopes closer to where people were, at busy locations like street corners, shopping malls and parks, as a way to entice people to take the time to travel to observatories.

The nationally recognized Astronomy Day is Saturday, April 16, and the Davis Observatory will open at 5 p.m. for solar viewing of sunspots. The observatory will remain open for the weekly Star Party after dusk.